[34F] With sudden onset right foot and leg pain
Patient Description
A 34-year-old female reports waking up with sudden onset pain in the right foot and leg, accompanied by numbness and swelling. The pain is described as severe, with a rating of 7 out of 10, and shoots from the bottom of the foot to the groin. The patient notes that the pain is exacerbated by walking and that sitting for prolonged periods leads to numbness in the legs. There is swelling on the side of the foot, but no recent falls or injuries have occurred. The patient has a family history of sciatica and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis approximately 7 years ago. No current medications or known allergies are reported. The patient is attempting to alleviate symptoms by soaking the foot in bath water, but no relief has been achieved.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
It sounds like you might be experiencing a nerve-related issue, possibly related to sciatica, given the shooting pain from your foot to your groin and the numbness. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, often causing pain and numbness along the leg. Your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) could also contribute to joint and nerve issues.
Possible Causes:
- Sciatica: Compression of the sciatic nerve can cause shooting pain and numbness.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inflammation from RA can affect nerves and joints, potentially leading to similar symptoms.
Typical Treatments:
- Sciatica: Physical therapy, pain relief medications, and sometimes corticosteroid injections.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
What you can do
For Pain and Numbness:
- Rest and Elevate: Rest your leg and elevate it to reduce swelling.
- Apply Ice: Use an ice pack on the swollen area for 15-20 minutes every few hours.
- Gentle Stretching: Try gentle stretching exercises to relieve nerve pressure.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen if you can tolerate them.
Track Symptoms:
- Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share notes with your healthcare provider.
What you should look out for
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Worsening pain or numbness
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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2 mo ago
